Low participation in downsizing scheme - figures

West Devon Borough Council plans to make more social housing tenants aware of incentives to move to smaller homes

Only five households took part in a scheme to downsize their properties in west Devon in the last year, figures show.

West Devon Borough Council now plans to make more social housing tenants aware of incentives to move to smaller homes and get a payout of £5,000 and help with removal costs or improvements such as new carpets.

The larger homes of tenants who agree to move are then offered to other families.

The scheme was introduced more than 20 years ago because of a shortage in large family accommodation, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Not high pressure'

Stephanie Rixon, the council's principal housing enabler, said no pressure was put on people to move if it made them unhappy.

However, she said they want to removed barriers stopping people who want to move.

She told a hub committee meeting the council understood people had a lifetime of memories in their homes, so it was key to keep the tenants' incentive scheme "high profile, but not high pressure".

Tenants were encouraged to move into properties at least one bedroom smaller or more appropriate for their circumstances, Ms Rixon said.

Limited social housing and the rising cost of private rental property means many families struggle to find homes.